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The Lead The TV schedule for tonight features a range of dramas and live sports. One of the standout shows is 'Believe Me', a Jeff Pope drama about the women who reported rapist John Worboys. Jeff Pope's Drama: Believe Me Sunday, 9pm, ITV1 'Believe Me' tells the story of Sarah Adams, played by Aimee-Ffion Edwards, who takes a taxi after a night out and is raped by John Worboys, played by Daniel Mays. The drama explores the aftermath of the assault and the challenges faced by victims of rape in reporting their crimes. Other TV Highlights Bafta Television Awards 2026, 7pm, BBC One: The TV gongs are presented by Greg Davies, with a double battle for lead and supporting actress awards between Aimee Lou Wood and Erin Doherty. The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer, 7pm, Channel 4: The charitable baking competition features Adam Buxton's edamame crumpets and Self Esteem's beans on toast crumpets. Cruising to the End of the Earth, 8pm, Channel 4: A family from Preston takes their first journey together since a bereavement and explores Alaska. The Cage, 9pm, BBC One: Tony Schumacher's thriller follows crooked casino employees Leanne and Matty as they navigate conflicting loyalties. Trading Places, 9pm, Channel 5: A new life-swap series immerses participants in different realities, starting with shopaholic youngsters Saffron, Umar, and Bridie. Film Choice The Iron Claw, 10pm, BBC Two This biopic tells the story of the Von Erich family of wrestlers in Texas, focusing on eldest son Kevin and his struggles for success in a sometimes pitiless sport. Live Sport Women's FA Cup Football: Liverpool v Brighton, noon, Channel 4/TNT Sports 1 Premier League Football: Nottingham Forest v Newcastle, 2pm, Sky Sports Main Event

The LeadPremier League news updates from around the league, including Tottenham's injury crisis, Liverpool's improving form, and Manchester United's upcoming clash with Liverpool. De Zerbi on Spurs' Injury CrisisRoberto De Zerbi has ruled out Dominic Solanke for Sunday's trip to Aston Villa and is unsure if the striker will feature again in Tottenham's battle against relegation. De Zerbi emphasized that victory over Villa would not be a 'miracle' and doubled down on his belief that the club will stay up. Slot on Liverpool's Improving FormArne Slot expects Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz to drive Liverpool forward after seeing significant contributions recently. The two most expensive signings in the club's history have had largely underwhelming first seasons, but Slot believes they are finally starting to find their feet. Carrick on Manchester United vs LiverpoolMichael Carrick says Manchester United's meeting with Liverpool on Sunday is a 'different ball game', irrespective of where the clubs stand in the table. Carrick insists any clash between the country's two most successful clubs remains a big draw. The Data Analysis Tottenham have 8 players out injured, including Solanke and Xavi Simons. Liverpool's Isak and Wirtz have scored 7 goals and 10 assists between them this season. Manchester United are third in the table with 61 points, three points ahead of Liverpool. The Impact AnalysisThe Premier League relegation battle is heating up, with Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, and other teams fighting to stay up. Liverpool and Manchester United's clash on Sunday could have significant implications for the top-four race. The PredictionTottenham's victory over Villa would not be a 'miracle', according to De Zerbi. Liverpool's improving form could see them push for a top-four finish, while Manchester United's win over Liverpool could boost their own top-four hopes.

Lead: A jam‑packed weekend of live sport across the UK and beyondThe Guardian’s weekend guide promises nonstop action: Premier League clashes that could reshape the title race, County Championship cricket battles, a high‑stakes 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, the return of Formula One in Miami and a decisive Women’s Champions League semi‑final.Saturday’s marquee fixtures: football, cricket, horse racing and F1Football (8am‑12pm BST): Premier League match‑day live coverage, with key games such as Ipswich v QPR, Millwall v Oxford and Wrexham v Middlesbrough shaping promotion and relegation.Cricket (11am): County Championship day two, featuring Surrey, Leicestershire, Glamorgan, Yorkshire, Northamptonshire and Derbyshire.Horse racing (11.30am): 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket – Bow Echo and Gstaad lead a 15‑runner field.Formula One (5pm & 9pm): Miami Grand Prix returns after a five‑week hiatus, with new regulation tweaks under scrutiny.Data analysis: Numbers that matter for titles and betsKey statistics highlighted include:Newcastle sit 14th after four straight defeats, raising questions over Eddie Howe’s future.West Ham sit two points ahead of 18th‑placed Tottenham, three behind Nottingham Forest and four behind Leeds United.Arsenal need a win over Fulham to push six points clear of Manchester City.Max Verstappen called recent car changes a “tickle”, hinting at possible driver market movement.Impact analysis: How the outcomes could reshape leagues and championshipsVictories in Saturday’s football fixtures could cement promotion hopes for clubs like Wrexham while deepening relegation battles for others. In cricket, the drawn County Championship matches may prompt a review of the points system, potentially increasing the reward for outright wins. The Miami Grand Prix will test whether regulatory changes improve racing spectacle, influencing F1’s global audience and sponsor confidence. Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League win over Lyon puts them in a strong position for a first title since 2016.Prediction: What to watch for in the coming weekExpect intense Premier League drama on Sunday with Bournemouth v Crystal Palace, Manchester United v Liverpool and Aston Villa v Tottenham—all likely to impact the top‑four race. In cricket, day three of the County Championship will be crucial for teams still seeking their first win. The Women’s Champions League second leg in Lyon will decide if Arsenal can clinch the trophy. Finally, the Miami Grand Prix’s regulatory tweaks will be judged by lap times and fan reaction, setting the tone for the rest of the F1 season.

The Lead The football season approaches a critical phase with clubs experiencing vastly different emotional states - some relaxing while others face high-stakes matches. A consequential weekend looms with relegation battles, promotion races, and title implications across multiple competitions. European Competition Developments Nottingham Forest narrowly defeated Aston Villa in an all-English Europa League semi-final first leg, though the match was marred by controversy over a dangerous tackle that went unpunished by VAR. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League semi-final first leg, significantly enhancing their chances of securing European qualification that eluded them last season. Championship Promotion Race With one Premier League spot already filled by Burnley's relegation, three Championship teams - Ipswich, Millwall, and Middlesbrough - are vying for the second automatic promotion position. The race intensifies as teams jockey for position with playoff spots also hanging in the balance across the EFL. Premier League Title Implications Arsenal faces a crucial test against Fulham as they attempt to keep their "creaking title bid" on track. The match comes at a pivotal moment in the season where every point could prove decisive in the championship race. Weekend Match Schedule The weekend's fixtures begin with Leeds hosting managerless and relegated Burnley, providing an opportunity for Leeds to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Following matches across the league will clarify the landscape for European qualification, relegation, and the title race. Upcoming Press Conferences Manager press conferences are scheduled at Newcastle, Liverpool, and Manchester City this morning, with pre-match discussions from Arsenal, Spurs, Manchester United, and Chelsea around lunchtime, providing insight into team preparations and mindset ahead of critical matches.

Parker-less Burnley Remain a Test for Leeds Leeds United faces a significant challenge this weekend as they host Burnley, who are now managerless after Scott Parker's departure. A win for Leeds would put them at 43 points and make relegation highly unlikely. Bowen Primed to Bother Brentford West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen has been in excellent form, providing two assists in their recent win over Everton. Brentford will need to be cautious of Bowen's threat, particularly from set pieces. Howe Faces Striker Conundrum Newcastle United's manager, Eddie Howe, faces a tough decision on which striker to play against Brighton. Will he choose Will Osula, Nick Woltemade, or Yoane Wissa? Sunderland Players Feel the Heat Sunderland's recent 5-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest was a disappointing performance. They will look to bounce back against Wolves and keep their European qualification hopes alive. Pedigree of Jesus Can Boost Arsenal Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus has been limited to just two league starts since returning from injury. However, his experience and pedigree could prove valuable in their upcoming match against Fulham. Rayan on the Rise – But Needs Protection Bournemouth's young Brazilian player, Rayan, has adapted quickly to English football. However, his minutes need to be carefully managed to avoid burnout. First the Points, Then the Pride? Manchester United and Liverpool face off in a crucial match, with both teams looking to secure Champions League football. The match may not have the same level of intensity as previous years, but it's still a significant encounter. Leeds v Burnley, Friday 8pm Brentford v West Ham, Saturday 3pm Newcastle v Brighton, Saturday 3pm Wolves v Sunderland, Saturday 3pm Arsenal v Fulham, Saturday 5:30pm Bournemouth v Crystal Palace, Sunday 2pm Manchester United v Liverpool, Sunday 3:30pm

Emery’s Public Call for VAR Accountability After Villa’s 1-0 LossUnai Emery demanded an explanation from the video assistant referee after Aston Villa were beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest in the Europa League first‑leg on 30 April 2026. He argued that a dangerous tackle on Ollie Watkins could have resulted in a broken ankle, yet the VAR did not intervene.Controversial Non‑Intervention on Anderson’s TackleThe incident occurred in the first half when Elliot Anderson slid into Watkins, catching him on the ankle. Referee João Pinheiro waved play on, and VAR official Tiago Martins made no call, prompting Emery to label it “a huge mistake”.Match Stats and Immediate Financial ImplicationsFinal score: Forest 1 – 0 VillaDecisive goal: Chris Wood penalty in the 71st minute after a VAR reviewPotential revenue loss for Villa in the second leg if aggregate deficit persistsImplications for VAR Protocols and Player SafetyThe episode reignites debate over VAR’s role in preventing serious injuries. Emery emphasized that “the risk is to the players” and called for clearer guidelines on when VAR must intervene in high‑risk challenges.Looking Ahead: Possible Changes to VAR OversightIf the governing bodies side with Villa’s complaints, we may see stricter enforcement of injury‑related reviews and possible sanctions for officials who miss clear red‑card situations. The upcoming second leg at Villa Park will test whether the controversy prompts immediate procedural tweaks.

Forest Takes Semi‑Final Lead via Wood’s Spot‑KickChris Wood calmly slotted a penalty from 12 yards to put Nottingham Forest ahead of Aston Villa in the first leg of the Europa League semi‑final. The decision came after a VAR review of a handball by Lucas Digne, and the goal gave the Midlands rivals a priceless advantage heading into the second leg.Wood Converts Penalty After VAR Review of Digne’s HandballThe incident unfolded when Digne raised his hands, assuming the ball had gone out of play. João Pinheiro, the Portuguese referee, consulted the on‑pitch VAR monitor at the urging of assistant Tiago Martins. The review confirmed a handball, and the referee pointed to the spot. Wood stepped up and scored, while Unai Emery tried to calm his jubilant Forest supporters.Key Match Statistics and Their SignificanceFinal score: Nottingham Forest 1‑0 Aston VillaPenalty distance: 12 yardsCrucial saves: Emiliano Martínez denied Forest twice, including a spectacular stop on Igor Jesus in the 33rd minute.Line‑up notes: Villa started Amadou Onana after a knee injury clearance; Forest fielded a strong XI under Vítor Pereira.Implications for the Europa League Race and Club AmbitionsThe narrow win puts Forest in a commanding position for the tie, aligning with owner Evangelos Marinakis’s ambition to win a fifth Europa League title. For Villa, the loss is a setback but the club remains confident of securing a Champions League spot through the Premier League. Both managers highlighted the “long game” ahead, underscoring the tactical balance required in the return leg.What Lies Ahead for Forest and Villa in the Second LegVilla will host the second leg at Villa Park, needing at least one goal to stay alive. Expect Emery to tweak his midfield after Onana’s hamstring injury and to press for an early goal to unsettle Forest’s defence. Forest, meanwhile, will aim to protect their lead, relying on disciplined defending and the creativity of players like Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs‑White. The outcome will likely determine which side advances to the final in Istanbul three weeks from now.

Lead: The Evening's High‑Stakes DerbyAt 8 pm BST the City Ground becomes the stage for a rare showdown between two neighbouring English clubs in a European semi‑final. The atmosphere is described as "absolutely colossal" as fans anticipate a match that blends cup‑final intensity with continental ambition.Event Details: Form, History, and Kick‑offKick‑off: 20:00 BSTNottingham Forest: 16th in the Premier League, recent surge in form after a relegation‑battle narrative.Aston Villa: 5th in the Premier League, historically the stronger side but currently struggling with spotty performances.Historical backdrop: Forest lifted the UEFA Cup in 1979 and 1980; Villa won it in 1982, adding a nostalgic layer to the encounter.Data Snapshot: League Positions and Recent ResultsWhile no specific match‑day statistics are available yet, the league standings provide a clear contrast:Forest: 16th place, points tally hovering just above the relegation zone.Villa: 5th place, within striking distance of a top‑four finish.These positions suggest a classic underdog versus favorite dynamic, amplified by recent form trends.Impact: Regional Pride and European AmbitionsThe fixture is more than a semi‑final; it is a clash of regional identity. Success for either side could:Boost the winning club’s European credibility and attract higher‑profile players.Reignite local rivalries, influencing ticket sales and fan engagement across the Midlands.Potentially affect Premier League momentum, with a win offering a psychological edge in the domestic race.Looking Ahead: Scenarios for the Semi‑FinalAnalysts foresee three primary outcomes:Forest edge a narrow win: A 1‑0 or 2‑0 advantage would give them a realistic chance to reach the final, leveraging home support.Villa dominate: A two‑goal margin could see them control the tie, making the second leg a formality.Dead‑heat: A draw would set up a tense return leg at Villa Park, where the higher‑ranked side might rely on their league quality.Regardless of the result, the tie promises to shape the narrative of English clubs in Europe for the remainder of the season.

The Lead Crystal Palace and Shakhtar Donetsk prepare to face off in the first leg of the Europa Conference League semi-final, with both teams having compelling stories to tell in this European competition. The match takes place in Krakow with kickoff scheduled for 8pm BST. The Teams' European Journeys Crystal Palace, who took 120 years to win their first major trophy, are seeking to make it "two in two" under Oliver Glasner in his final weeks at the club. They advanced to the semi-finals with a 3-0 win at home against Fiorentina in the first quarter-final leg, followed by a 2-1 loss in the second. Shakhtar Donetsk, led by former Atlético Madrid and Turkey midfielder Arda Turan, are on course for a league title in their manager's first season. The Ukrainian club is eyeing their second European trophy, having won the Uefa Cup in 2009 before the Europa League rebrand. They reached the last four with a 5-2 aggregate victory over AZ Alkmaar. The Ukrainian Club's Resilience Shakhtar's European campaign has been remarkable given the circumstances. All of their "home" Conference League matches this season have been played at the Henryk Reyman Municipal Stadium in Poland due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The club has shown remarkable resilience, having lost most foreign players after special FIFA regulations allowed them to leave for free following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. "There is war in Ukraine and yet people live their lives," said Turan. "Every day shows that this nation never gives up." The Road to the Final The winner of this tie will face either Nottingham Forest or Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League final. Shakhtar reached the last four of the Europa League in 2016 and 2020 before the 2022 invasion changed everything for the club.